Join us as we set sail to the beautiful waters surrounding Catalina Island aboard the schooner Californian. Each voyage offers a unique perspective on seamanship, maritime history and the awesome beauty of the Pacific Ocean.

The Catalina adventure sail will use the tall ship, Californian, as our base camp for a kayaking adventure. Exploring by kayak is a great and fun way to get up close and personal to all of the sights. The crystal clear waters provide excellent viewing of the rugged shoreline, hidden coves and the underwater marine preserve. Colorful sea stars, flying fish and bright orange garibaldi are just some of the amazing sea creatures surrounding the island.

This year’s 150th Anniversary Gala for the Star of India was a huge success!

Star Gala

Delicious appetizers by Continental Catering and craft cocktails Craft & Commerce made the evening sparkle. Twinkle lights adorned the Star of India as she was moored in the middle of San Diego bay for this once in a lifetime event.

Specialty bar in the hold

Generous guests were escorted over aboard the tall ship Californian and accompanying vessels. Live music enchanted the guests as the sun set over the bay. A live auction was held to raise funds for the San Salvador Project where many generous donations were made. Thank you to everyone who participated!

Fun for the Entire Family

This year’s Festival of Sail features an expanded events area, more booths to explore, larger kids zone, vintage boat display, stage for live entertainment, and a beer garden.

Festival of Sail is the LARGEST Tall Ship festival on the west coast and is hosted at the Maritime Museum of San Diego, transforming the North Embarcadero into a nautical theme park for 4 adventure filled days.

Held over Labor Day weekend each year, we start with a parade! On Thursday, a day before FOS (Festival of Sail) vendors and ships open to the public, you can watch the ships majestically sail into San Diego bay, enjoy cannon fire salutes, and seeing the ships end their journey at the Maritime Museum’s docks. A limited number of tickets are made available to participate being aboard during the tall ship parade.

Independence, Stars and Stripes, Fireworks. It’s a day full of tradition.

Watch the Fireworks From the Best Venue in Town, included with General Admission.

Join us at the Maritime Museum of San Diego for a spectacular 4th of July!

Our Independence Day celebration includes some of the best fireworks viewing on San Diego Bay, and the chance to explore one of the most amazing collections of historic ships & exhibits anywhere!

Witness the extraordinary awesomeness of our Napoleonic Cannons being fired as the Maritime Museum of San Diego rings in the start of the fireworks show.

A General Admission ticket to the Maritime Museum lets you explore all of our world class ships, except Berkeley’s upper deck and the Californian. Watch the fireworks from the Star of India, or the HMS Surprise, or the West viewing platform! It’s your choice.

For maximum fun join us for a Picnic Dinner, Adventure Sail, or Fireworks cruise! Tickets.